Dodgers looking at Neftali Feliz for setup role

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still on the hunt for their next setup man and now may have found a possible candidate in Neftali Feliz.

The team is reportedly showing strong interest in free agent pitcher Neftali Feliz.

Feliz, a 28-year-old right-hander, served as the setup man for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season.

He did a respectable job, recording a 4-2 W-L record and 3.52 ERA in 53.2 IP.

He also produced an impressive average fastball velocity of 96.1 MPH.

In past seasons, Feliz made a name for himself as a decent closer, accumulating 99 career saves.

However, he later went off the radar in large part to a history of arm injuries.

Aside from Pittsburgh, the Dominican had also previously pitched for the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers. He won the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2010.

According to reports, Feliz has drawn light interest from other teams as a possible closer as well.

Talks between the pitcher and the Washington Nationals were said to have emerged in early December, but have since faded.

If signed by the Dodgers, Feliz will most likely receive a short-term, 1-year deal from the team.

The set up role is one of the two glaring holes in Dodgers’ roster, along with second base.

Though Feliz has emerged as a strong option for filling the spot, the Dodgers have not ruled out a possible reunion with Joe Blanton, who handled a large part of setup duties for the team last season.

Blanton performed admirably during the regular season but faltered during the postseason, particularly in the NLCS.

The right-hander is now 36 years old, likely giving the Dodgers hesitation in committing to him for further years.

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The Dodgers would ideally want to secure the role sooner rather than later, given that all pitchers and catchers are expected to report to spring training on February 15.